The Wireless Sensor Network Group (WSN) at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork is currently advertising for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher in Wearable Systems for Human Computer Interfacing in Industry 4.0.

The Tyndall National Institute is a world leader in the development of Smart Sensing systems for use in the body, on the body and around the body. Working closely with a global range of academic, business and clinical partners, our technology is under evaluation by several multinational corporations and is approaching market readiness in a number of areas.

As part of the SFI Centre CONFIRM – Centre for Smart Manufacturing, the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) group at Tyndall has secured funding in the development of Human Computer Interfacing (HCI) systems for “Industry 4.0”. These systems will leverage our core strengths in Information and Communications Technologies to develop the next generation of breakthrough Human Computer Interfacing systems for use in a manufacturing environment.

Tyndall VR GLOVE for Human Computer Interfacing (HCI)

The award winning “Tyndall smart glove for HCI” is a culmination of over a decade of research in the development of motion sensing for the human body and incorporates the latest sensing technologies needed to bridge the human and digital worlds of Augmented/Virtual Reality and robotics. The glove incorporates sensors and novel data fusion algorithms to give precise information in real time regarding hand biomechanics, position and movement. The development of this technology enables a seamless interface between the wearer and the Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality world which is increasingly part of our daily life, not just in the consumer and gaming communities, but also in the factories of the future, where it can be used as a training tool.

The successful Postdoctoral Researcher will help augment and refine the current implementation of the Smart Glove Data Capture system in a funded applied research project as part of a team of multi-disciplinary industry-aligned researchers. Additional functionalities and multimodal data sets will be analysed and integrated in to the Human computer interface system including EMG, EEG biometrics etc. The successful applicant will carry out their research project within this team which has expertise in microsystems technology, wireless sensors, electronics and low-power system hardware and software design.

Activities will include applied domain focused research in to wearable systems, Human Factors Engineering, Bio-Signal Analysis, EMG, Biometrics, and Integration of Electronics in to wireless wearable systems, hardware/software co-design and integration of embedded systems incorporating data processing and machine/deep learning algorithms for motion analysis and biomechanics analysis. The candidate will be expected to write scientific publications associated with their work and travel to international conferences, workshops, industry meetings, proposal project meetings. This will help to strategically position Tyndall WSN as a world-leading industry-focused applied research group in the area of smart system development for Human Computer Interfacing in an industrial context.

The successful Postdoc Researcher will help define, manage and implement an applied research project as part of a team of multi-disciplinary industry-aligned researchers with expertise in microsystems technology, wireless sensors, electronics and low-power system hardware and communications software design. The Researcher will help develop prototype and test the next generation data capture glove with a view to reliability, comfort, ergonomics and accuracy in conjunction with industry partners.

Responsibilities

To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader.

To provide assistance in conducting relevant research activities, including planning, organising, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of the research project.

To develop the specification, design and deployment of wearable sensing systems.

To undertake tasks requiring technical competence in the field of wearable sensors-focused on reliability, comfort, ergonomics and accuracy

To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and interpretation of information/results.

To undertake tasks which may include recording results and preparing reports including conclusions and recommendations. Application of qualitative and quantitative research techniques in wearable systems.

To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.

To co-supervise postgraduate research students who are studying for a Masters or a PhD and have an agreed role in supporting these students in their day to day research.

To carry out administrative work to support the program of research and ensure all project deliverables and milestones are achieved in a timely manner.

To provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Principal Investigator/Grant holder.

To disseminate project outputs, through the interpretation of results and the preparation of manuscripts for publication.

To work with industry/research partners (existing and planned) to identify their marine sensing needs (technologies and applications).

To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.

Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.

Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.

Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

A PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or equivalent research experience.

Appropriate research experience in data analytics of wearable sensors data for Connected Health and Wellness, especially on sensor integration, physiological monitoring, or biomechanics.

Demonstrated capability in the delivery of research projects at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

High levels of initiative, project management, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are encouraged.

Desirable Criteria

Good analytical skills and computer skills.

Evidence of excellent organizational and communication skills.

Evidence of excellent time management skills.

Experience with sensor systems for health monitoring is an asset.

High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are encouraged.

CONFIRM- Science Foundation Irelands Centre of Smart Manufacturing

CONFIRM’s vision is to transform and grow Irish manufacturing by integrating intelligence within products, machines, production systems and supply chains. Smart Manufacturing has been defined as “the intelligent, real‐time orchestration and optimisation of physical (people & equipment), digital and business processes within factories and across the entire value chain”. This systems-level approach differentiates CONFIRM from other manufacturing initiatives, many of which focus on disparate challenges such as 3D printing, advanced materials, continuous processing, autonomous vehicles, etc. While these are important topics for discrete industry sectors and product portfolios, we believe that adopting a systems-level approach offers the greatest potential for significant advances and impact across multiple manufacturing sectors.

An element of CONFIRMS research activity incudes the development of immersive 3D Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) platforms. This growth of industrial virtualization is generating new directions in numerous research domains in robotics within industry/manufacturing and requires the development of innovative mechanisms to interface with this virtual, digital world.

To learn more about the current status of the glove please see:

https://twitter.com/PatKennyNT/status/951416174042075138

https://twitter.com/jesskellynt/status/951369183656165376

https://twitter.com/TyndallInstitut/status/951030118331441152

https://twitter.com/design_partners/status/948959465965047814

Irish Tech News (IE): Irish team set to make waves at 2018 Consumer Electronics Show

This is a fulltime Postdoctoral Researcher opportunity in University College Cork, with the successful candidate on approved IUA salary Scales for postdoctoral Researchers, initially for 24 months with the possibility of extension beyond that.